Frequently Asked Questions
Aqualille creates made-to-order, hand-painted and artisan-crafted wallcoverings for distinctive interiors. Below, you’ll find answers about our materials, customization options, samples, ordering process, installation and care.
ABOUT OUR WALLCOVERINGS
What is hand-painted wallpaper?
Hand-painted wallpaper is created by skilled artists who apply each design directly to its ground rather than reproducing it through conventional digital printing. The result has the depth, variation and expressive quality of original artwork. Because each panel is made by hand, subtle differences in color and brushwork are natural and part of its character.
How is hand-painted wallpaper different from printed wallpaper?
Printed wallpaper reproduces the same image mechanically across every roll or panel. Hand-painted wallpaper retains the nuances of the artist’s hand, including subtle shifts in line, color and texture. It can also be tailored more closely to a room through custom grounds, palettes and design details.
What types of wallcoverings does Aqualille create?
Aqualille offers hand-painted, hand-embroidered, hand-beaded, gilded and hand-screen-printed wallcoverings. Our collection includes Chinoiserie, scenic landscapes, tropical and botanical designs, abstracts, geometrics and richly textural surfaces.
What is a wallpaper ground?
The ground is the material or prepared surface upon which a design is created. Aqualille works with materials including silk, rice paper, scenic paper, gilded paper, linen, velvet and hand-dyed tea paper. The ground affects the wallcovering’s texture, luminosity and overall character.
What is the difference between silk, rice paper and gilded paper?
Silk has a soft sheen and natural texture that gives painted designs added depth. Rice paper has a more matte, painterly quality, while gilded paper reflects light and lends the surface a luminous metallic finish. Our team can help you choose the ground best suited to the design, room and desired atmosphere.
CUSTOMIZATION & BESPOKE DESIGN
Can Aqualille wallcoverings be customized?
Yes. Aqualille wallcoverings are made to order and can be customized in background and design colors, ground material, embroidery, beading and other details. Depending on the design, scale and motif placement may also be adjusted to suit the room.
Can Aqualille create completely bespoke wallpaper?
Yes. Our team works with designers and clients to develop original wallcoverings created specifically for a project. The bespoke process may include developing a new composition, palette, ground and decorative techniques in response to the architecture and creative direction of the space.
Can a design be tailored around windows, doors and architectural details?
Yes. Because our wallcoverings are supplied in custom-height panels, the design can be planned with the room’s architecture in mind. Please provide accurate wall measurements and architectural elevations when available so our team can advise on panel quantities, placement and customization.
What is a strike-off?
A strike-off is a sample created for approval before full production begins. It allows you to review the selected colors, ground and decorative treatment and confirm that the design is moving in the right direction. Production timing for custom orders begins after the strike-off is approved.
MEASURING & ORDERING
What sizes do Aqualille panels come in?
Our wallcoverings are generally supplied in panels measuring 3 feet wide. Each panel is tailored to the height of the wall, with an additional 12 inches included for trimming and installation. If your project requires a custom panel width, please contact sales@aqualille.com.
How do I measure for hand-painted wallpaper?
Measure the combined width of every wall to be covered and divide that number by 3 to estimate the number of standard-width panels required. Always round up for partial widths. Measure the wall height and add 12 inches for trimming and coverage. We recommend having your designer or professional installer confirm all measurements before ordering.
Should I order an extra panel?
We generally recommend ordering at least one additional panel to allow for installation adjustments, future repairs or unexpected site conditions. Because handmade wallcoverings can vary subtly between production runs, ordering an extra panel with the original order provides the closest possible match.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes. Aqualille has a minimum wallpaper order of 9 yards. Our team will calculate the appropriate quantity based on the dimensions and requirements of your space.
How is Aqualille wallpaper priced?
Pricing is calculated by the yard and varies according to the design, ground, decorative techniques and level of customization. We provide project-specific quotes based on your measurements so you order only the amount required. Contact sales@aqualille.com for retail, trade and custom pricing.
Do you offer samples?
Yes. Our design samples measure approximately 18 inches wide by 40 inches high and are available on loan for two weeks. Samples demonstrate the wallcovering’s color, material and texture but may show only a portion of the overall design and may not represent its full scale. Contact sales@aqualille.com to request a sample.
How quickly do samples ship?
In-stock samples generally ship within two to three business days. Please allow additional transit time for international deliveries.
Does Aqualille offer a trade program?
Yes. The Aqualille Trade Program offers preferred pricing, customization assistance, tear sheets, tax-exempt purchasing with a valid resale certificate and tailored project support for qualified designers and trade professionals. Applications may be submitted through our Trade Program page.
PRODUCTION & DELIVERY
How long does hand-painted wallpaper take to produce?
Most made-to-order wallcoverings ship in approximately eight weeks. Custom orders generally ship within eight to ten weeks following strike-off approval. Rush production may be available in approximately four to six weeks for an additional fee. Timing may vary according to the design, materials and scope of customization.
Does Aqualille ship internationally?
Yes. Aqualille ships throughout the United States and to Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. International orders generally require additional delivery time, and applicable duties, taxes or VAT may be added depending on the destination.
In what order should the panels be installed?
Panels with a continuous or repeating design are supplied in installation order from left to right and are intended to connect visually at the seams. Keep the panels in their original sequence and share all installation instructions with your professional paperhanger.
INSTALLATION & CARE
Do I need a professional wallpaper installer?
Yes. We strongly recommend hiring an experienced professional paperhanger, particularly for hand-painted, embroidered, beaded or custom-tailored wallcoverings. A qualified installer can confirm measurements, prepare the wall correctly and handle each panel with the appropriate care.
Can hand-painted wallpaper be used in a bathroom?
Hand-painted wallpaper may be used in a well-ventilated bathroom when it is kept away from direct or excessive water. For rooms with higher moisture levels, we strongly recommend adding a protective glaze. Contact our team before ordering so we can advise on the most appropriate finish for the space.
How should I care for Aqualille wallcoverings?
Treat your wallcovering as you would a work of art. Avoid excessive water, humidity, abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and prolonged direct sunlight. Do not scrub the surface. For questions about cleaning or caring for a particular material, contact our team before applying any product to the wallcovering.
Can artwork be hung over hand-painted wallpaper?
Yes. Whenever possible, plan artwork placement before installation and discuss it with your installer. Use appropriate hardware for the wall construction and minimize unnecessary punctures, particularly on silk, gilded, embroidered or beaded surfaces.
RETURNS & SUPPORT
Can made-to-order wallpaper be returned?
Custom and bespoke wallcoverings are non-returnable, and made-to-order wallpaper cannot be exchanged. Eligible non-custom items may be returned within 14 days if they are unused and in their original packaging. Please contact info@aqualille.com before returning anything.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?
Inspect the shipment as soon as it arrives. If anything is damaged, defective or incorrect, contact us immediately with your order information and photographs of the packaging and affected item so our team can evaluate the issue.
Still have a question?
For help with samples, measurements, materials, customization, pricing or an upcoming project, please contact sales@aqualille.com or call (561) 206-2055.